What Does Rain Smell Like?

The Best Petrichor Perfume For People Who Love The Rain

This past December, a team of scientists at MIT isolated the source of that fresh smell we sense after a satisfying rain. The scent called petrichor (petra, the Greek word for “stone,” and ichor, which means “the blood of the gods,”) aerates when raindrops of a certain size and speed fall on porous earth, burst, and release chemical compounds from the ground into the air.

The rich, earthy aroma of rain has been embedded in human consciousness for centuries. As much as this scent is tied to the peaceful ambiance of a stormy day, it also acts as a sensorial reminder of our species' long-standing relationship with nature. In fact, this distinctive fragrance even has a name – petrichor. For those of you yearning for a whiff of this nostalgic scent, we're about to explore a few of our favorite rain-induced aromas.

These notes mimic the scent of rain: cypress, vetiver, and oakmoss. They are all renowned for their earthy and green scents that can recall that fresh smell after a rain shower. And we're not just talking about the fresh, clean, smell of rain -- you know the one light and airy filled with aromatic floral aquatic accords of lily of the valley, water lily or lotus blossom. 

If you have been looking for a perfume that truly smells like rain, the scents below are for you. These unique fragrances are inspired by the earthy, fresh smell of petrichor, the scent of rain on dry soil. They smell just like the special moments after a summer storm, when dirt and concrete are warm and wet and there's a faint scent of moss lingering in the air.

• Wild Earth: Earthy allure, capturing a hazy day's essence with the scent of rain-kissed soil and refreshing petrichor
• Graveyard Dirt: Earthy, damp scent evoking six feet under, with petrichor notes warding off evil spirits
• Baie 19: A magical embodiment of petrichor, capturing the joy of rain-soaked juniper berries, patchouli, and green leaves
• Dirt: A unique scent, capturing the joyful earthiness of rain on dry topsoil, subtly mingled with minty leaves and fruit
• Thunderstorm: The low rumble of thunder, the crackle of lightning, and the downpour of rain notes is both captivating and thrilling.

If you prefer a lighter approach, try one of these ozone infused fragrances. A firm favorite for many, Rain. A delicious floral-aquatic fragrance that captures the scent of fresh summer rain and dewy flora. It's a crisp but calming concoction that celebrates the essence of summer.

Petrichor-scented bath + body care products can help you carry this invigorating scent with you throughout the day. How about Dirt Lotion Spray, Thunderstorm Shower Steam Spray, or Wild Earth Massage Bar? These fragrances all contain ingredients such as geosmin, a compound responsible for the fresh soil smell we associate with petrichor.

As we wait for science to advance to the point of controlling rainfall, these methods offer a delightful way to experience petrichor on demand. There's something comforting about the familiar smell of rain that connects us all to our ancient, agricultural roots. Whether through a candle, fragrance, or body + body products, you can invite a piece of that profound natural experience into your everyday life.